Here at Cow-op, we love the holidays and the joy of good food that goes hand-in-hand with the Christmas season.
As always, it’s our pride and joy to share our local food producers’ beautiful gifts with our community, which is made all the more meaningful at this special time of year.
For many of us, the holidays can also be a costly, time-consuming, and exhausting season that may leave us wondering why they call this time of year “the holidays?!”
That’s where Cow-op comes to the rescue. We’re here to help make the holidays all they were meant to be–a simple, joyful, fun, and delicious season spent with those you love.
Bright Idea #1
Simplify Your Christmas Grocery Shopping Routine
Tired of the holiday rush, traffic, and shopping madness at the mall and grocery stores? We understand, and we’re happy to help, because that’s what we do here at Cow-op!
Our Online Farmers’ Market offers you a simple and less stressful shopping experience by providing a quick, convenient way to purchase those special holiday grocery needs right from the comfort of your own home.
There’s so much to choose from, such as:
- baking staples (flour, eggs, dairy, etc.);
- fresh vegetables and herbs;
- freshly made or bake-at-home breads, buns, croissants, and pies;
- turkey and all the trimmings;
- fresh local fish and seafood
and so much more, from producers right in your community!
So just head on over to www.cow-op.ca to do some fun holiday shopping, then a few days later, just like magic (with the assistance of Cow-op’s little helpers), your tote full of goodies will appear right on your door-step!
What could be simpler?!
Bright Idea #2
Tackle Your Christmas Gift List With Ease
We’ve all spent long and exhausting hours at the mall in search of that perfect Christmas gift, or we’ve purchased something online that did not fit, was the wrong colour, or that disappointed those who would have preferred something else.
Why not keep it simple and give the gift that everyone loves? What’s that you ask? Why food of course!!
Who wouldn’t love to receive a bountiful gift-basket filled with local delicacies? Some special holiday gift ideas include our decadent smoked salmon, incredible cheeses, fresh artisan bread, lovely teas, and of course chocolate!
With so many incredible options, there’s something for everyone on your gift list. Choose from our unique range of regular and specialty holiday items such as:
- a sweet trio of yummy jams;
- beautifully bottled pure maple syrup;
- gorgeous hand-made soaps and bath bombs;
- an awesome variety of flavoured kombucha and specialty salts made on Salt Spring Island;
- simple bake-at-home mixes to make delicious breads, crackers, and healthy treats (including keto and gluten-free options);
- our beautiful Cow-op recipe book Cowichan Grown: Seasonal Recipes & Local Wisdom
and many other great gift ideas.
We have also created the perfect gift pack that we call the Cow-op Combo, which includes our Cow-op recipe book, gift certificates in a variety of denominations, and our “Buy Local, Buy Fresh” stickers.
And last but not least, introducing our brand new Cow-op tote bags!
Why not give the gift of our fabulous tote bag filled with fresh local foods and treats? What a fun way to share the gift of Cow-op with your friends and family too!
So give the best of the best of delicious local foods from Cow-op this holiday season…or any time of year!!
Bright Idea #3
The Perfect Gift For That Hard-To-Buy-For Or Picky Person
Can’t figure out what to give that person who already has everything? Running out of time to find the perfect gift for that oh-so-picky person? Why not let them do just that and pick out their own gift from Cow-op?!
We’ve got you covered with our Cow-op gift certificates. What could be easier and more convenient than giving those on your “what to buy for list” the gift of treating themselves?
Our gift certificates come in a variety of denominations, so you can select the amount that best suits your budget. And the best part? No wrapping required!
Then comes the fun, where your lucky gift recipient can hop on our website and enjoy picking out just what they’d like.
So now, with the pressure off and one less gift to worry about, you’ll have more time to kick back and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas.
Bright Idea #4
Return To The Simple Life During These Stressful & Difficult Times
“Ah, the simple life.”
“Oh, the good old days.”
“They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to!”
We’ve all heard these sayings, and in this fast-paced crazy world, more and more people are choosing to return to living the simple life–a life that’s pared-down, slower-paced, more natural, and more in balance.
For many, that means living closer to the land, which of course includes becoming more aware of the foods that they consume, and where and how those foods are sourced.
A simpler life includes sourcing fresh, vibrant, healthy, and natural local foods that come from the land where you live.
There are so many great reasons to purchase from our farmers and producers who offer the best in local goods, all sourced from our very own backyard here in the beautiful and bountiful Cowichan Valley.
So welcome to the simple life, where having the option to enjoy incredible local food via Cow-op is a gift in itself!
Bright Idea #5
Ditch The Old & Welcome In A Bright New Year
2022 has been a crazy, difficult, and challenging year for us all, so it will definitely be refreshing to welcome in 2023!!
With a new year comes New Years’ resolutions, fresh starts, and welcome change.
Tired of the same old, same old? Ready to switch it up as we enter a brand new year?
Have you seen how many producers and new products we now offer? Cow-op is growing!! At 80+ producers, our incredible and diverse local offerings continue to expand, as do our delivery and pick-up locations.
So as 2022 winds down and we prepare to usher in a new year, why not change it up and treat yourself to something unique, different, and delicious!
After all your hard work this year, while making it through another tough one, you and your family deserve it!
So out with the old and in with the new as we enter a Happy New Year!!
All The Best From Our Local Producers & The Cow-op Team!
Sandy Gray
Cow-op Food Hub Facilitator & Blogger